High humidity ozone gas treatment

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing high humidity ozone gas. Systems and methods for applying high humidity ozone gas to foodstuffs and/or other products as an antimicrobial treatment. Compressed air and dry ozone gas are combined, thereby providing a dry mix. A portion of the dry mix can be humidified in a humidifying chamber, thereby providing a wet mix. The wet mix can be combined with a portion of the dry mix, thereby providing humid ozonated air. The humid ozonated air can be applied to foodstuffs such as produce, as an antimicrobial treatment, as the foodstuffs are conveyed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to providing a preparation of ozone gas,and antimicrobial treatment of foodstuffs and equipment

BACKGROUND

Foodstuffs such as fresh produce are subject to spoilage by the actionof unwanted microbes such as molds and bacteria. Some examples of suchproduce are lemons, blueberries, kiwi fruit, apples, strawberries, nuts,and, grapes. Microbes are present on the produce prior to harvesting,and remain with produce as it moves from the field into processingfacilities. In order to minimize damage to the harvested produce fromthe microbes, processors typically take steps that can include some orall of chemical fungicide treatment, liquid wash, and, cold storage forthe produce. Each of these steps potentially provides potential remedialbenefits, but each also has problematic aspects.

After harvesting, many produce types can be treated with chemicalfungicides and/or bactericides in an attempt to inhibit microbe growth.Even after such treatment, microbe growth can cause damage, particularlyas storage time is increased. Residual mold can continue to grow and candevelop into large nesting molds. Fungicide treatment can be relativelyexpensive, due at least in part to the cost of the fungicides. Allergiesto fungicides are common, and can adversely affect produce workers,other workers who have direct or indirect contact with the products, andeventual consumers of the products. Products treated with some chemicalfungicides and/or bactericides are ineligible for designation and/ordescription as organic produce, and thus lose access to significantmarkets.

After harvesting, produce can be washed with a sanitizing liquid inorder to remove dirt and other unwanted substances. The sanitizingliquid can be water mixed with various sanitizing agents. However, theshapes of many produce items contain crevices that are not effectivelycleaned by this technique. Items can have irregular surfaces andnumerous cavities and crevices. Surface tension of a sanitizing liquidsuch as water can prevent liquid from reaching into small cavities andcrevices, thus adequate cleaning action cannot occur in those locations.Unwanted substances and microbes can remain undisturbed.

The reduced temperature environment of cold storage can inhibitmicrobial growth. However, cold storage is typically implemented at highhumidity levels in order to prevent damaging the produce by dehydration.At typical high humidity cold storage levels such as 50% to 90% relativehumidity, molds can be active. In such conditions, microbes such asmolds can live, grow, and propagate, such as by sporulation. In order tomaintain uniform temperature, air within cold storage units is typicallycontinuously refrigerated and circulated, providing an ideal mechanismfor spreading airborne spores throughout an entire refrigerated unit.The living and propagating microbes can significantly damage produceinventory within the storage unit.

In addition to molds, bacteria such as E Coli, Listeria and Salmonellacan cause damage to fresh produce, and to dry products such as powders,flakes and seeds. Damage to fresh produce and dry products can takeplace in contained environments such as hoppers, silos, augers,pipelines, and various enclosures.

Thus what is needed are improved systems and methods for eliminatingmicrobes on foodstuffs including fresh produce, stored fresh produce,and dry products, with particular attention to contained environments.

Attempts have been made to utilize ozone gas across a range oftemperatures, such as −40 F to −100 F, as an anti-microbial agent. Whenthe gas is taken directly from an ozone generator, it has little effectat reducing bacteria and mold spores. Typical ozone generators produceozone gas at 0.2% to 10% ozone by weight, corresponding respectively to2,000 to 100,000 ppm. The ozone gas produced is typically kept extremelydry (−40 to −100° F. dew point) in order to eliminate undesirablemoisture in the ozone generating cell. Moisture passing through an ozonegenerating cell produces nitric acid that can cause severe damage to thecell and downstream equipment.

Many mold spores and spore forming microbes can tolerate high levels ofdry ozone gas without being killed. However, water with ozone dissolvedat levels between 0.2 and 10 ppm can be an effective killer of bacteriaand mold spores that are planktonic, in very short times.

Thus what is needed are systems and methods increase themicrobe-reducing effectiveness of ozone gas application to freshproduce, stored fresh produce, and dry products, with particularattention to contained environments.

SUMMARY

A system of one or more computers can be configured to performparticular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware,hardware, or a combination of them installed on the system that inoperation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or morecomputer programs can be configured to perform particular operations oractions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by dataprocessing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions. Onegeneral aspect includes a method including the steps of: combiningcompressed air and dry ozone gas, thereby forming a dry mix; splittingthe dry mix, thereby forming a chamber dry mix source and a bypass drymix source; humidifying the chamber dry mix source, thereby providing awet mix; combining the wet mix and the bypass dry mix source, therebyforming humid ozonated air; and, applying the humid ozonated air toproduce, thereby providing an antimicrobial treatment to the produce.Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems,apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computerstorage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Themethod further including the steps of: providing a chamber; receivingthe chamber dry mix source into the chamber; misting water within thechamber; removing excess water from the chamber by cycloning; removingexcess water from the chamber by coalescing; and, providing the wet mixfrom the chamber. The method further including the steps of: providingan ozone generator configured to generate ozone gas; monitoring ozoneconcentration of the dry mix, thereby providing an ozone levelmeasurement; and, generating the dry ozone gas responsive to the ozonelevel measurement. The method further including the steps of: monitoringhumidity level of the humid ozonated air, thereby providing a humiditymeasurement; providing a blending valve, configured to selectively splitthe dry mix into the chamber dry mix source and the bypass dry mixsource; and, selectively splitting the dry mix into the chamber dry mixsource and the bypass dry mix source, responsive to the humiditymeasurement. The method further including the steps of: conveying theproduce on a wire conveyor, where the humid ozonated air is applied bynozzles to the produce as the produce is conveyed. The method furtherincluding the steps of: providing a vibrating sloped channel including aterminal edge; and, conveying the produce on the vibrating slopedchannel past the terminal edge, thereby providing a cascade of produce;where the humid ozonated air is applied by nozzles to the cascade ofproduce. The method further including the steps of: seiving the produce,thereby providing a cascade of produce; where the humid ozonated air isapplied by nozzles to the cascade of produce. The system furtherincluding: an input junction coupled with the blending valve andconfigured to receive compressed air and dry ozone gas, and, provide thedry mix from the compressed air and dry ozone gas; an air compressorcoupled with the input junction and configured to provide the compressedair; and, an ozone generator coupled with input junction and configuredto provide the dry ozone gas. The system further including: an ozonemonitor coupled with the blending valve and configured to provide anozone level measurement corresponding to the dry mix, where the ozonegenerator is configured to provide the dry ozone gas responsive to theozone level measurement. The system further including: a humiditymonitor coupled with the output junction and configured to provide ahumidity measurement corresponding to the humid ozonated air, where theblending valve is further configured to selectively provide the chamberdry mix source and the bypass dry mix source responsive to the humiditymeasurement. The system further including: a treatment enclosure; a wireconveyor within the treatment enclosure and configured to conveyproduce; and, a plurality of nozzles within the treatment enclosure andconfigured to apply the humid ozonated air to produce as the produce isconveyed on the wire conveyor, thereby providing an antimicrobialtreatment. The system further including: a treatment enclosure; avibrating sloped channel within the treatment enclosure including aterminal edge and configured to convey produce in the channel and beyondthe terminal edge, thereby providing a cascade of produce; and, aplurality of nozzles within the treatment enclosure and configured toapply the humid ozonated air to the cascade of produce, therebyproviding an antimicrobial treatment. The system further including: atreatment enclosure; a seive within the treatment enclosure configuredto seive produce, thereby providing a cascade of produce; and, aplurality of nozzles within the treatment enclosure and configured toapply the humid ozonated air to the cascade of produce, therebyproviding an antimicrobial treatment. Implementations of the describedtechniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computersoftware on a computer-accessible medium.

One general aspect includes a system for providing humid ozonated airincluding: a chamber including within its volume misting nozzles,spinner plates, and a coalescing unit, and configured to receive achamber dry mix source and to provide a wet mix; a blending valvecoupled with the chamber and configured to receive a dry mix, and,selectively provide the chamber dry mix source and a bypass dry mixsource from the dry mix; an output junction coupled with the chamber andthe blending valve, and configured to combine the bypass dry mix sourceand the wet mix, thereby providing humid ozonated air; where the mistingnozzles are configured to deliver water mist into the chamber; where thespinner plates are configured to remove by cyclonic action liquid waterfrom the chamber; where the coalescing unit is configured to remove by acoalescing process liquid water from the chamber; and, where the wet mixis responsive to the chamber dry mix source and the water mist. Otherembodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems,apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computerstorage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thesystem further including: an input junction coupled with the blendingvalve and configured to receive compressed air and dry ozone gas, and,provide the dry mix from the compressed air and dry ozone gas; an aircompressor coupled with the input junction and configured to provide thecompressed air; and, an ozone generator coupled with input junction andconfigured to provide the dry ozone gas. The system further including:an ozone monitor coupled with the blending valve and configured toprovide an ozone level measurement corresponding to the dry mix, wherethe ozone generator is configured to provide the dry ozone gasresponsive to the ozone level measurement. The system further including:a humidity monitor coupled with the output junction and configured toprovide a humidity measurement corresponding to the humid ozonated air,where the blending valve is further configured to selectively providethe chamber dry mix source and the bypass dry mix source responsive tothe humidity measurement. The system further including: a treatmentenclosure; a wire conveyor within the treatment enclosure and configuredto convey produce; and, a plurality of nozzles within the treatmentenclosure and configured to apply the humid ozonated air to produce asthe produce is conveyed on the wire conveyor, thereby providing anantimicrobial treatment. The system further including: a treatmentenclosure; a vibrating sloped channel within the treatment enclosureincluding a terminal edge and configured to convey produce in thechannel and beyond the terminal edge, thereby providing a cascade ofproduce; and, a plurality of nozzles within the treatment enclosure andconfigured to apply the humid ozonated air to the cascade of produce,thereby providing an antimicrobial treatment. The system furtherincluding: a treatment enclosure; a seive within the treatment enclosureconfigured to seive produce, thereby providing a cascade of produce;and, a plurality of nozzles within the treatment enclosure andconfigured to apply the humid ozonated air to the cascade of produce,thereby providing an antimicrobial treatment. Implementations of thedescribed techniques may include hardware, a method or process, orcomputer software on a computer-accessible medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a high humidity ozone gas treatment system.

FIG. 2A depicts a system embodiment for providing humid ozonated air.

FIG. 2B depicts a detailed system embodiment for providing humidozonated air.

FIG. 3A depicts an embodiment for applying humid ozonated air toproduce.

FIG. 3B depicts a conveyor for conveying produce.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment for applying humid ozonated air tofoodstuffs.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment for applying humid ozonated air tofoodstuffs.

FIG. 6 depicts a method for high humidity ozone gas treatment.

FIG. 7 depicts a computer system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Diagram 100 depicts a high humidity ozone gas treatment system. Atypical ozone gas generator 101 can generate ozone gas 102 that isextremely dry. The dry ozone gas 102 can be input to a process 103 thatprovides humid ozonated air 104. The process 103 can combine the dryozone gas 102, air, and water to provide the humid ozonated air 104. Intypical embodiments the dry ozone gas 102 can have a dew point in therange of −40 F to −100 F. The humid ozonated air 104 can havesubstantially higher moisture content at operating temperatures, withrelative humidity in the range of 40% to 98%, and a typical operatinglevel greater than 90% within that range and non-condensing. Sometypical operating temperatures can range from approximately 32 Fcorresponding to a typical cold storage facility to approximately 70 Fcorresponding to a typical room temperature.

A conveying system 111 can convey foodstuffs 113 through a treatmentenclosure 105. Within the treatment enclosure 105, the humid ozonatedair 104 can be applied to the foodstuffs as an antimicrobial treatment.Ozone levels of the humid ozonated air 104 can be in the range of 100ppm to 100,000 ppm for some treatments, with a level of 5000 ppmcorresponding to some typical embodiments. Corresponding to variousembodiments, duration of exposure to the humid ozonated air 104 for atreatment can range from a few seconds to many minutes. In some typicalembodiments, the duration of exposure can be within a range of 30 to 120seconds.

Exposure to humid ozonated air can cause microbe spores to open andthereby become susceptible to effective antimicrobial action of theozone. The searching effect of humid ozonated air application canadvantageously treat irregular surfaces, cavities, and crevices found onfoodstuffs that cannot be effectively reached by liquid treatments.Humid ozonated air can also be effectively applied to products such asdry powders, flakes, and seeds for which liquid treatments areundesirable.

Diagram 200 depicts a relatively simplified system embodiment forproviding humid ozonated air. Diagram 250 depicts an embodiment forproviding humid ozonated air 224 comprising common elements with thesystem of diagram 200 and further comprising additional elements anddetail. In reference to diagrams 200 and 250, dry ozone gas 215 andcompressed air 205 can be combined by input junction 207, therebyproviding a gaseous dry mix 218 of air and ozone gas. The dry mix 218can be selectively split by blending valve 221 into a bypass dry mixsource 226 and a chamber dry mix source 222. A humidifying chamber 231can receive and process the chamber dry mix source 222 and water 244,thereby producing a gaseous wet mix 236. Wet mix 236 and bypass dry mixsource 227 can be combined by output junction 227, thereby providinghumid ozonated air 224. Blending valve 221 can control the absoluteand/or relative amounts of the chamber dry mix source 222 and the bypassdry mix source 226, thereby providing adjustment of the humidity in thehumid ozonated air 224 provided by output junction 227.

Some embodiments can provide a flow of humid ozonated air 224 within arange of 0.1 cfm to 50 cfm. In some typical embodiments, the flow can bein the range of 0.5 cfm to 10 cfm. In some embodiments the humiditylevel of the humid ozonated air 224 can be in the range of 30% to 99%.In some typical embodiments, the humidity level can be in the range of90% to 98%. In some embodiments the ozone level of the humid ozonatedair 224 can be within a range of 25 ppm to 50000 ppm. In some typicalembodiments the ozone level of the humid ozonated air 224 can be withina range of 200 ppm to 5000 ppm.

Dry ozone gas 215 can be provided by ozone generator 213. Compressed air205 can be provided by compressor 203. An air inlet filter 204 canfilter air intake to the compressor 203. In some embodiments thecompressor 203 can be powered by a variable frequency drive unit (VFD)202. The VFD receives input power 201.

A compressed air flow meter 206 can indicate the flow of compressed air205. A dry ozone gas flow meter 216 can indicate the flow of dry ozonegas 216. These flow meters 205 216 can be utilized to adjust the air toozone ratio, that is, the ozone concentration in the dry mix 218 andhence the ozone concentration in the humid ozonated air 224.

An ozone monitor 217 can provide measurements of ozone level of the drymix 218 gas. In some embodiments ozone monitor 217 can provide one ormore signals responsive to a measurement. In some embodiments suchsignals can indicate measured ozone level and/or a difference betweenmeasured and desired ozone level. Such signals can be utilized infeedback and/or control of ozone generator 213. The ozone generator 213can vary a specific amount and/or rate of dry ozone gas output 215 inresponse to the signal or signals, and thereby support automatic dosagecontrol.

Chamber dry mix source 222 can enter the chamber 231 near the bottom ofthe chamber. One or more misting nozzles 232 can deliver water mist 233into chamber 231. The water mist 233 can vaporize within the chamber231, thereby increasing the humidity of gas within the chamber.

Water droplets can be present in the volume of the chamber 231. Thesedroplets can result from incomplete vaporization of the water mist 233.A plurality of spinner plates 234 can provide a cycloning action thatcan remove water droplets from the volume of the chamber; that water canfall to the bottom of the chamber. Coalescing unit 235 can provide acoalescing process that can remove water droplets from the volume of thechamber. The water so removed can fall to the bottom of the chamber. Acoalescing unit 235 can employ electrostatic coalescing, mechanicalcoalescing, and/or any other known and/or convenient coalescing method.

Wet mix 236 gas can retain ozone content of the chamber dry mix source222, be humidified by the vaporization of the water mist 233, andcleansed of unevaporated water droplets by the cycloning action of thespinner plates 234 and the coalescing action of the coalescing unit 235.

Embodiments are herein described in which the chamber dry source mix 222enters at the bottom of the chamber 231. Having entered at the bottom ofthe tank, gas can move up through a volume of the tank having mistingnozzles 232 and delivering water mist 233, then move further up throughsuccessive volumes of the tank that have spinner plates 234 and then acoalescing unit 235, eventually providing humidified gas as wet mix 236from the highest point within the tank 231. However, many possibleembodiments are not so limited as to the placement and relativepositioning of these elements. In a variety of embodiments, the absoluteand/or relative positioning of the entry of chamber dry source mix 222,misting nozzles 232 and hence water mist 233, spinner plates 234, andexit of wet mix 236 can vary.

A humidity monitor 223 can provide measurements of the humidity level ofthe humid ozonated air 224. In some embodiments humidity monitor 223 canprovide one or more signals responsive to a measurement. In someembodiments such signals can indicate measured humidity level and/or adifference between measured and desired humidity level. Such signals canbe utilized in feedback and/or control of blending valve 221. Blendingvalve 221 can control the absolute and/or relative amounts of thechamber dry mix source 222 and the bypass dry mix source 226 responsiveto the signals, thereby providing adjustment of the humidity in thehumid ozonated air 224 provided by output junction 227.

Some embodiments comprise a recirculating system for delivering water244 to the misting nozzles 232. A water tank 245 can supply a reservoir246 for the system and can be sized conveniently for operation andmaintenance, such as by way of example and not limitation, a 5 gallontank. A pump 241 can draw water from the reservoir 246 and pressurizethe water feed 244 to the mister nozzles 232. In some embodiments, thepump 241 can provide pressures within a range of 30 to 100 psi. Anundesirable build up of minerals within the system can be minimized bysupplying the reservoir 246 with distilled water. Minerals and/or otherundesirable items such as debris within the system can be avoided byutilizing a filter 243 in line with the water feed 244. Unevaporatedwater such as the water droplets removed by operations of the spinnerplates 234 and coalescing unit 235 can fall to the bottom of the tankand be recirculated. A float valve 242 at the bottom of the tank 231operating in combination with a low water level switch 243 at thereservoir 246 can provide for maintaining an adequate water supply forthe pump 241.

Diagram 300 depicts an embodiment for applying humid ozonated air tofoodstuffs such as produce. Products 308 such as produce can be conveyedas a continuous process through a treatment enclosure 301. Some exampleproducts that can be effectively treated by such an embodiment cancomprise berries, fruit, dried fruit, citrus, kiwi fruit, nuts and otherproducts that cannot be exposed to water.

Products 308 to be treated can be placed on a conveyor 309 that passesthrough the treatment enclosure 301. As the products 308 are conveyedthrough the enclosure 301, they can be exposed to high humidity ozonegas such as the humid ozonated air 224 output depicted and described indiagrams 200 and 250. Humid ozonated air 224 can be injected into theenclosure 301 by a plurality of nozzles 304 306 located throughout thetreatment chamber. The nozzles 304 306 can be directed at the products308. As humid ozonated air 305 307 as a compressed gas exits the nozzles304 306 it can create turbulence within the enclosure and on thesurfaces of the products. Such turbulence can advantageously improve thesearching effect of the humid ozonated air 224 to reach irregularsurfaces, cavities, and crevices found on foodstuffs.

A supply of humid ozonated air 302 can be provided to treatmentenclosure 301. Within the enclosure 301, humid ozonated air 302 can besupplied to the plurality of nozzles 304 306 by plumbing 303. Notably insome embodiments, nozzles 306 can be located beneath a conveyor 309 candirect gas 307 through the conveyor at the supporting side of productsresting on the conveyor. Exposure to gas from nozzles at theseadditional angles below the conveyor can provide for more effectivetreatment than without such. In some embodiments a conveyor surface canbe substantially open to gas passing through the surface yet stillprovide adequate support for particular products. Some typical surfaceconstructions can comprise perforated, mesh, and/or grid. In sometypical embodiments, the conveyor 309 can be a stainless steel wireconveyor. Products can be supported by a stainless steel grid or meshyet the surface does not effectively block exposure to gas emanatingfrom below the conveyor. FIG. 3B depicts such a stainless steel wireconveyor 309.

Diagram 400 depicts an embodiment for applying humid ozonated air tofoodstuffs.

Foodstuffs 408 can be conveyed on a vibrating sloped channel 409 havinga terminal edge 411. The action of the vibrating sloped channel 409 canconvey the foodstuffs 408 beyond the terminal edge 411 thereby providinga cascade 412 of the foodstuffs as the foodstuffs fall. High humidityozone gas such as the humid ozonated air 224 output depicted anddescribed in diagrams 200 and 250 can be applied by nozzles 404 to thecascade 412. One or more nozzles 404 can be located at various positionsin and/or near the cascade 412 so as to direct the humid ozonated air405 at the cascade 412 of foodstuffs. A variety of foodstuffs and/orother products can be provided antimicrobial treatment in this manner,such as by way of example and not limitation, dry powders, flakes, andseeds. The cascade 412 can terminate in another channel or container 410and be subject to further processing.

In some embodiments the foodstuffs and/or other products can be furthertreated by passing through additional stages of the depicted embodiment400. That is, the foodstuffs and/or other products can be treated by aseries of vibrating sloped channel conveyances that can each provide anadditional cascade at which additional nozzles direct humid ozonated airat the additional cascade, thus providing additional antimicrobialtreatment. In some embodiments, the foodstuffs and/or other products canbe recirculated through one or more of the stages. As the foodstuffsand/or other products experience multiple and/or repeated stages, aneffective cumulative duration of exposure to the humid ozonated air canbe accumulated that can be much greater than that of a single stage.Thus accumulated treatment durations can be built up to be within arange for some typical embodiments of 30 to 120 seconds.

One or more stages of the depicted embodiment 400 can be applied withina treatment enclosure. Such a treatment enclosure 105 301 can be asdepicted and described in relation to diagram 100 and/or diagram 300. Insome embodiments, the elements depicted in diagram 400 can be enclosed,and vent exhausts can be provided to collect excess ozone and direct itto a disposal system that prevents and/or minimizes undesirable ozoneexposure to people.

Diagram 500 depicts an embodiment for applying humid ozonated air tofoodstuffs.

Products such as foodstuffs 508 can be conveyed by a variety of means509 to a seive 511 such as a sifter. In some embodiments, conveyance tothe seive 511 can be provided by a translating belt, a vibrating slopedchannel, and/or any other known and/or convenient form of suitableconveyance. A seiving action such as sifting can be applied to theproducts 508 thereby providing a cascade 512 of the seived products asthe products fall. In some embodiments, sifting can be provided byperforations in a vibrating sloped channel. Such a vibrating slopedchannel can be as depicted and described in relation to diagram 400herein. Seiving such as sifting can select for item and/or particlesizes to be smaller than a specific maximum size, thus providingrelatively more surface area per item and/or particle. In someembodiments a vibrating sifter can break down clumps and/or otheraccumulations of product into smaller pieces that can make their waythrough the sifter.

High humidity ozone gas such as the humid ozonated air 224 outputdepicted and described in diagrams 200 and 250 can be applied by nozzles504 to the cascade 512. One or more nozzles 504 can be located atvarious positions in and/or near the cascade 512 so as to direct thehumid ozonated air 505 at the cascade 512 of foodstuffs. A variety offoodstuffs and/or other products can be provided antimicrobial treatmentin this manner, such as by way of example and not limitation, drypowders, flakes, and seeds. The cascade 512 can terminate in anotherchannel or container 510 and be subject to further processing.

In some embodiments the foodstuffs and/or other products can be furthertreated by passing through additional stages of the depicted embodiment500 and/or other treatment embodiments, such as those depicted anddescribed with relation to diagram 400. Thus additional antimicrobialtreatment can be provided. In some embodiments, the foodstuffs and/orother products can be recirculated through one or more of the stages. Asthe foodstuffs and/or other products experience multiple and/or repeatedstages, an effective cumulative duration of exposure to the humidozonated air can be accumulated that can be much greater than that of asingle stage. Thus accumulated treatment durations can be built up to bewithin a range for some typical embodiments of 30 to 120 seconds.

One or more stages of the depicted embodiment 500 can be applied withina treatment enclosure. Such a treatment enclosure 105 301 can be asdepicted and described in relation to diagram 100 and/or diagram 300. Insome embodiments, the elements depicted in diagram 500 can be enclosed,and vent exhausts can be provided to collect excess ozone and direct itto a disposal system that prevents and/or minimizes undesirable ozoneexposure to people.

Diagram 600 of FIG. 6 depicts steps of a method for high humidity ozonegas treatment.

In step 602, compressed air and dry ozone gas can be combined to form adry mix of gases. In diagram 250 dry ozone gas 215 can be provided byozone generator 213. Compressed air 205 can be provided by compressor203. The gases can be combined by input junction 207, thereby providingthe dry mix 218 of gases. In some embodiments, an ozone monitor 217 canprovide an ozone level measurement of the dry mix 218, and the ozonegenerator 213 can provide an ozone gas amount and/or rate in response tothe ozone level measurement.

In step 604, the dry mix can be split into a chamber dry mix source anda bypass dry mix source. In diagram 250 blending valve 221 can receivethe dry mix 218 and split it into chamber dry mix source 222 and bypassdry mix source 226. In some embodiments, a humidity monitor 223 canprovide a humidity level measurement of humid ozonated air 224. Blendingvalve 221 can control the absolute and/or relative amounts of thechamber dry mix source 222 and the bypass dry mix source 226 responsiveto the humidity level measurement, thereby providing adjustment of thehumidity in the humid ozonated air 224 provided by output junction 227.

In step 606, the chamber dry mix source can be humidified, providing awet mix of gases. In diagram 250, a humidifying chamber 231 can receiveand process the chamber dry mix source 222 and water 244, therebyproducing a gaseous wet mix 236. In some embodiments, chamber dry mixsource 222 can enter the chamber 231 near the bottom of the chamber. Oneor more misting nozzles 232 can deliver water mist 233 into chamber 231.The water mist 233 can vaporize within the chamber 231, therebyincreasing the humidity of gas within the chamber. The humidified gasexiting the chamber can provide the wet mix 236. Water droplets can bepresent in the volume of the chamber 231. These droplets can result fromincomplete vaporization of the water mist 233. A plurality of spinnerplates 234 can provide a cycloning action that can remove water dropletsfrom the volume of the chamber. Coalescing unit 235 can provide acoalescing process that can remove water droplets from the volume of thechamber.

In step 608, the wet mix and bypass dry mix source can be combined toform humid ozonated air. In diagram 250, wet mix 236 and bypass dry mixsource 227 can be combined by output junction 227, thereby providinghumid ozonated air 224.

In step 610, humid ozonated air can be applied to foodstuffs, therebyproviding an antimicrobial treatment. Diagram 300 depicts an embodimentin which produce 308 can be conveyed on a wire conveyor 309 and humidozonated air 305 307 can be applied by nozzles 304 306 as the produce isconveyed. Diagram 400 depicts an embodiment in which produce 408 can beconveyed on a vibrating sloped channel 409 until it cascades off of aterminal edge 411. Humid ozonated air 405 can be applied by nozzles 404to the cascade 412. Diagram 500 depicts an embodiment in which produce508 can be seived, providing a cascade 512 of seived produce. Humidozonated air 505 can be applied by nozzles 504 to the cascade 512.

The execution of the sequences of instructions required to practice theembodiments can be performed by a computer system 700 as shown in FIG.7. In an embodiment, execution of the sequences of instructions isperformed by a single computer system 700. According to otherembodiments, two or more computer systems 700 coupled by a communicationlink 717 can perform the sequence of instructions in coordination withone another. Although a description of only one computer system 700 willbe presented below, however, it should be understood that any number ofcomputer systems 700 can be employed to practice the embodiments.

A computer system 700 according to an embodiment will now be describedwith reference to FIG. 7, which is a block diagram of the functionalcomponents of a computer system 700. As used herein, the term computersystem 700 is broadly used to describe any computing device that canstore and independently run one or more programs.

Each computer system 700 can include a communication interface 714coupled to the bus 706. The communication interface 714 provides two-waycommunication between computer systems 700. The communication interface714 of a respective computer system 700 transmits and receiveselectrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, that include datastreams representing various types of signal information, e.g.,instructions, messages and data. A communication link 717 links onecomputer system 700 with another computer system 700. For example, thecommunication link 715 can be a LAN, in which case the communicationinterface 714 can be a LAN card, or the communication link 715 can be aPSTN, in which case the communication interface 714 can be an integratedservices digital network (ISDN) card or a modem, or the communicationlink 715 can be the Internet, in which case the communication interface714 can be a dial-up, cable or wireless modem.

A computer system 700 can transmit and receive messages, data, andinstructions, including program, i.e., application, code, through itsrespective communication link 715 and communication interface 714.Received program code can be executed by the respective processor(s) 707as it is received, and/or stored in the storage device 710, or otherassociated non-volatile media, for later execution.

In an embodiment, the computer system 700 operates in conjunction with adata storage system 731, e.g., a data storage system 731 that contains adatabase 732 that is readily accessible by the computer system 700. Thecomputer system 700 communicates with the data storage system 731through a data interface 733. A data interface 733, which is coupled tothe bus 706, transmits and receives electrical, electromagnetic oroptical signals, that include data streams representing various types ofsignal information, e.g., instructions, messages and data. Inembodiments, the functions of the data interface 733 can be performed bythe communication interface 714.

Computer system 700 includes a bus 706 or other communication mechanismfor communicating instructions, messages and data, collectively,information, and one or more processors 707 coupled with the bus 706 forprocessing information. Computer system 700 also includes a main memory708, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storagedevice, coupled to the bus 706 for storing dynamic data and instructionsto be executed by the processor(s) 707. The main memory 708 also can beused for storing temporary data, i.e., variables, or other intermediateinformation during execution of instructions by the processor(s) 707.

The computer system 700 can further include a read only memory (ROM) 709or other static storage device coupled to the bus 706 for storing staticdata and instructions for the processor(s) 707. A storage device 710,such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, can also be provided andcoupled to the bus 706 for storing data and instructions for theprocessor(s) 707.

A computer system 700 can be coupled via the bus 706 to a display device711, such as, but not limited to, a cathode ray tube (CRT) or aliquid-crystal display (LCD) monitor, for displaying information to auser. An input device 712, e.g., alphanumeric and other keys, is coupledto the bus 706 for communicating information and command selections tothe processor(s) 707.

According to one embodiment, an individual computer system 700 performsspecific operations by their respective processor(s) 707 executing oneor more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the mainmemory 708. Such instructions can be read into the main memory 708 fromanother computer-usable medium, such as the ROM 709 or the storagedevice 710. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in themain memory 708 causes the processor(s) 707 to perform the processesdescribed herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry canbe used in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus,embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardwarecircuitry and/or software.

The term “computer-usable medium,” as used herein, refers to any mediumthat provides information or is usable by the processor(s) 707. Such amedium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile,volatile and transmission media. Non-volatile media, i.e., media thatcan retain information in the absence of power, includes the ROM 709, CDROM, magnetic tape, and magnetic discs. Volatile media, i.e., media thatcan not retain information in the absence of power, includes the mainmemory 708. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire andfiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus 706.Transmission media can also take the form of carrier waves; i.e.,electromagnetic waves that can be modulated, as in frequency, amplitudeor phase, to transmit information signals. Additionally, transmissionmedia can take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as thosegenerated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

In the foregoing specification, the embodiments have been described withreference to specific elements thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes can be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. Forexample, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering andcombination of process actions shown in the process flow diagramsdescribed herein is merely illustrative, and that using different oradditional process actions, or a different combination or ordering ofprocess actions can be used to enact the embodiments. The specificationand drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan restrictive sense.

It should also be noted that the present invention can be implemented ina variety of computer systems. The various techniques described hereincan be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both.Preferably, the techniques are implemented in computer programsexecuting on programmable computers that each include a processor, astorage medium readable by the processor (including volatile andnon-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device,and at least one output device. Program code is applied to data enteredusing the input device to perform the functions described above and togenerate output information. The output information is applied to one ormore output devices. Each program is preferably implemented in a highlevel procedural or object oriented programming language to communicatewith a computer system. However, the programs can be implemented inassembly or machine language, if desired. In any case, the language canbe a compiled or interpreted language. Each such computer program ispreferably stored on a storage medium or device (e.g., ROM or magneticdisk) that is readable by a general or special purpose programmablecomputer for configuring and operating the computer when the storagemedium or device is read by the computer to perform the proceduresdescribed above. The system can also be considered to be implemented asa computer-readable storage medium, configured with a computer program,where the storage medium so configured causes a computer to operate in aspecific and predefined manner. Further, the storage elements of theexemplary computing applications can be relational or sequential (flatfile) type computing databases that are capable of storing data invarious combinations and configurations.

Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described indetail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manyadditional modifications are possible in the exemplary embodimentswithout materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages ofthe invention. Accordingly, these and all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

For example, the configuration and arrangement of the system can bemodified. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determinednot with reference to the above description, but instead should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims along with their fullscope of equivalents.

1. A method comprising the steps of: combining compressed air and dryozone gas, thereby forming a dry mix; splitting the dry mix, therebyforming a chamber dry mix source and a bypass dry mix source;humidifying the chamber dry mix source, thereby providing a wet mix;combining the wet mix and the bypass dry mix source, thereby forminghumid ozonated air; and, applying the humid ozonated air to produce,thereby providing an antimicrobial treatment to the produce.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: providing a chamber;receiving the chamber dry mix source into the chamber; misting waterwithin the chamber; removing excess water from the chamber by cycloning;removing excess water from the chamber by coalescing; and, providing thewet mix from the chamber.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprisingthe steps of: providing an ozone generator configured to generate ozonegas; monitoring ozone concentration of the dry mix, thereby providing anozone level measurement; and, generating the dry ozone gas responsive tothe ozone level measurement.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprisingthe steps of: monitoring humidity level of the humid ozonated air,thereby providing a humidity measurement; providing a blending valve,configured to selectively split the dry mix into the chamber dry mixsource and the bypass dry mix source; and, selectively splitting the drymix into the chamber dry mix source and the bypass dry mix source,responsive to the humidity measurement.
 5. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising the steps of: conveying the produce on a wire conveyor;wherein the humid ozonated air is applied by nozzles to the produce asthe produce is conveyed.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising thesteps of: providing a vibrating sloped channel comprising a terminaledge; and, conveying the produce on the vibrating sloped channel pastthe terminal edge, thereby providing a cascade of produce; wherein thehumid ozonated air is applied by nozzles to the cascade of produce. 7.The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: seiving theproduce, thereby providing a cascade of produce; wherein the humidozonated air is applied by nozzles to the cascade of produce.
 8. Asystem for providing humid ozonated air comprising: a chamber comprisingwithin its volume misting nozzles, spinner plates, and a coalescingunit, and configured to receive a chamber dry mix source and to providea wet mix; a blending valve coupled with the chamber and configured toreceive a dry mix, and, selectively provide the chamber dry mix sourceand a bypass dry mix source from the dry mix; an output junction coupledwith the chamber and the blending valve, and configured to combine thebypass dry mix source and the wet mix, thereby providing humid ozonatedair; wherein the misting nozzles are configured to deliver water mistinto the chamber; wherein the spinner plates are configured to remove bycyclonic action liquid water from the chamber; wherein the coalescingunit is configured to remove by a coalescing process liquid water fromthe chamber; and, wherein the wet mix is responsive to the chamber drymix source and the water mist.
 9. The system of claim 8 furthercomprising: an input junction coupled with the blending valve andconfigured to receive compressed air and dry ozone gas, and, provide thedry mix from the compressed air and dry ozone gas; an air compressorcoupled with the input junction and configured to provide the compressedair; and, an ozone generator coupled with input junction and configuredto provide the dry ozone gas.
 10. The system of claim 9 furthercomprising: an ozone monitor coupled with the blending valve andconfigured to provide an ozone level measurement corresponding to thedry mix; wherein the ozone generator is configured to provide the dryozone gas responsive to the ozone level measurement.
 11. The system ofclaim 8 further comprising: a humidity monitor coupled with the outputjunction and configured to provide a humidity measurement correspondingto the humid ozonated air; wherein the blending valve is furtherconfigured to selectively provide the chamber dry mix source and thebypass dry mix source responsive to the humidity measurement.
 12. Thesystem of claim 8 further comprising: a treatment enclosure; a wireconveyor within the treatment enclosure and configured to conveyproduce; and, a plurality of nozzles within the treatment enclosure andconfigured to apply the humid ozonated air to produce as the produce isconveyed on the wire conveyor, thereby providing an antimicrobialtreatment.
 13. The system of claim 8 further comprising: a treatmentenclosure; a vibrating sloped channel within the treatment enclosurecomprising a terminal edge and configured to convey produce in thechannel and beyond the terminal edge, thereby providing a cascade ofproduce; and, a plurality of nozzles within the treatment enclosure andconfigured to apply the humid ozonated air to the cascade of produce,thereby providing an antimicrobial treatment.
 14. The system of claim 8further comprising: a treatment enclosure; a seive within the treatmentenclosure configured to seive produce, thereby providing a cascade ofproduce; and, a plurality of nozzles within the treatment enclosure andconfigured to apply the humid ozonated air to the cascade of produce,thereby providing an antimicrobial treatment.